How to measure belt size required for autohelm 3000?

[steve yates]

Sorry for the dumb question, but I am missing the drive belt for a wheel steering autohelm 3000 that came with the boat, and looking for a replacement I. Price it comes in different lengths. Are these distance from centre of wheel to the mounting point? The circumference of the belt or what?
Need to know how to figure out which size I require.

On a related note, my steering is a bit stiff, are there any adjustments to an autohelm that can be done to help compensate for this? Or will it just struggle to work?

Thx.

 

[RichardS]

Belt lengths for conventional drive belts can be specified on inner length, outer length or nominal length, or all three, depending upon the type of belt. Image that the belt is cut and laid out flat on the floor. You might need to measure yours with a length suitable thickness rope around the pulleys but it will always be an approximation so you might not get it right first time unless you order a selection either side and send the wrong ones back.

Richard

 

[Tranona]

The size of the belt will depend on the location of the motor in relation to the wheel. If I remember rightly there was a choice of sizes and the installation instructions were specific about this dimension. The motor engages by tensioning the belt, so the size is not easy to measure. Suspect the original installation instructions are still available from Raymarine.

Your second question. No. The 3000 is pretty weedy and will not deal with stiff steering. Certainly won't improve it and may struggle depending on how stiff it is, particularly if you don't get belt tension right. Despite all this it is a simple and robust bit of kit, adequate to steer under power and OK in light winds under sail.

 

[PeteCooper]

Don't know if this is the right device ... but if it is it gives lots of useful information:
https://raymarine.app.box.com/s/nwf2s5ha9xrltggghogu/file/3273055753

 

[ASW11]

Steve, have you managed to measure and source a belt? We're struggling to find a replacement 142cms belt so if anyone has any ideas, do please say thx

 

[MoodySabre]

Look for a timing belt on beltingonline.com where you can specify length, width etc

 

[NealB]

Are the density, depth and shape of the teeth also critical?

 

[Aja]

As Volvo don't make starter motors Raymarine don't make belts. As suggested measure as best you can and get from a belt supplier.

Donald

 

[radams]

I think I have got the original belt for this autohelm, it is Powergrip 506XL050